A computer-implemented automated decision support system for designing an
auction for a given item includes a structure extractor that estimates
unknown elements of market structure of the auction based on auction
characteristics data extracted from historical auctions for similar items
and a bidding model matching the extracted auction characteristics data.
The decision support system also includes a bidding behavior predictor
that predicts bidding behaviors of bidders in the auction based on the
estimated unknown elements of market structure and characteristics of the
auction. In addition, the system includes an optimizer that employs an
evaluation criterion to generate an evaluation of the auction based on
(1) the estimated unknown elements of market structure and (2) the
predicted bidding behavior of bidders. A method of providing an automated
auction analysis is also described.